He put up his hand and rubbed the place that her lips had touched.
"There's no love in a kiss like that. Don't give me such another."
"You are ill, father; I did not know you were so very ill," replied his daughter in the quiet voice in which she would soothe a little child.
"I am ill in mind, Valentine, and sometimes my mind affects my body. It did for the last few days. This afternoon I'm better—I mean I am better in mind, and I sent for you that I might get the thing over."
"What thing, father?"
"Never mind for a moment or two. You used to be so fond of me, little Val."
"I used—truly I used!"
"I thought you'd give me one of the old kisses."
"I can't. Don't ask it."